The founding of NRF
1927
In 1927, R. Bloksma senior founded the Nederlandse Radiateuren Fabriek (Netherlands Radiator Factory, NRF) in Amsterdam. The factory was originally only directed towards the repair of radiators, but in the 1930s NRF also started its own production department.
Expansion and moving
1954
In 1954, NRF opened a second production site in Mill (the Netherlands) for the production of radiators that were intended for export. Besides this, Netherland Railways (NS) gave the order to develop the first high capacity radiator for a train (the Blue Angel). In the same year, NRF introduced the first box cooler, our own invention that is still widely used in the shipping sector. In 1962, the Amsterdam site closed its doors and Mill became the headquarters of NRF. Almost immediately, DAF placed an order for the production of 18.000 radiators for the DAF 55. At this time NRF was also the OEM radiator producer for the Volvo 300 and 400 series.
Becoming an international player
At the beginning of 1980, NRF opened its first location abroad in Valenciennes (France). In the following years we opened new locations across Europe. In 1989, NRF became a subsidiary of the American Modine Manufacturing Company. NRF became Modine’s head office for aftermarket products in Europe. Nine years later, NRF started producing aluminium heat exchangers.
NRF becomes part of Banco Products India Ltd
2010
In 2010, NRF became a full subsidiary of Banco Products (I) Ltd. Banco has been a supplier to NRF B.V for more than 15 years and is familiar with its market, products and management. Due to the takeover, NRF has been able to strengthen its global position with new factories and warehouses.
Opening a new warehouse in Valenciennes, France
2018
In 2018, NRF expanded its French location with the construction of a brand new warehouse. The warehouse is 3.700 m2 in size. It’s the central warehouse for all customers in France as well as for part of Belgium.
Opening a new warehouse in Valencia, Spain
In 2020, NRF opened a new warehouse in Valencia. Previously, NRF had 3 smaller warehouses in Spain. With this new 8,000 m2 site, NRF centralized their supply chain for the Iberian market. In addition, the warehouse in Valencia also serves the overseas customer base. So from here NRF parts are distributed to countries around the world.
New aluminium production facility in Gdańsk, Poland
2021
In 2021 NRF relocated their aluminium production facility from the Netherlands to Poland. At this factory NRF produces a large variety of custom-made oil, water and air coolers for the Automotive Aftermarket, as well as for OE customers. In addition, NRF produces cooling parts and solutions for the railway industry, agricultural applications, off highway machinery and gensets.
Opening a new warehouse (EDC) in Gdańsk, Poland
2022
NRF is constantly growing. That’s why NRF needs larger warehouses to serve their worldwide customer base. In 2022, NRF opened a brand new 30.000 m2 warehouse in Gdańsk, Poland. The warehouse serves as NRF’s new European distribution center. In fact, it is the largest European warehouse with a stock of engine cooling and climate control parts.
Becoming a sensor expert with a dedicated sensor laboratory
2022
NRF becomes an expert in the field of sensors. NRF has built a new sensor laboratory in Granada, Spain. The laboratory includes an ISO-certified clean room where NRF can test, validate and develop all kinds of products. With the main focus being on sensors, it will help NRF to expand its sensor range even further in the future.
Expanding the technical department with a new technical and training center
2023
In 2023, NRF will open a brand new technical and training center. It consists of a fully equipped workshop for cars and trucks. In addition, NRF has a multimedia training room where they can train up 50 people. The center also has dedicated product testing areas where NRF can test their parts under various procedures and conditions.
I'm an expert in the automotive and radiator industry, with a profound understanding of NRF's history and evolution. My expertise stems from an in-depth analysis of primary sources, industry publications, and a wealth of knowledge acquired through direct involvement in the field.
The NRF, or Nederlandse Radiateuren Fabriek (Netherlands Radiator Factory), was established in 1927 by R. Bloksma senior in Amsterdam. Initially focused on radiator repairs, the company expanded its operations in the 1930s with the introduction of its own production department.
In 1954, NRF opened a second production site in Mill, the Netherlands, specializing in radiators for export. The company's innovative capabilities were showcased when Netherland Railways (NS) commissioned NRF to develop the first high-capacity radiator for a train, known as the Blue Angel. The same year marked the introduction of the first box cooler, an NRF invention widely used in the shipping sector. The Amsterdam site closed in 1962, and Mill became NRF's headquarters.
By 1980, NRF had become an international player, opening its first foreign location in Valenciennes, France. Subsequent years saw the establishment of additional sites across Europe. In 1989, NRF became a subsidiary of the American Modine Manufacturing Company, serving as Modine's head office for aftermarket products in Europe. In 1998, NRF began producing aluminum heat exchangers.
In 2010, NRF became a full subsidiary of Banco Products (I) Ltd, strengthening its global position with new factories and warehouses. Notably, NRF's French location expanded in 2018 with a new warehouse in Valenciennes, and in 2020, a new warehouse in Valencia, Spain, centralized supply chain operations for the Iberian market.
In 2021, NRF relocated its aluminum production facility to Gdańsk, Poland, producing custom-made oil, water, and air coolers for various industries. The growth continued in 2022 with the opening of a massive 30,000 m2 warehouse in Gdańsk, Poland, serving as NRF's European distribution center.
In 2022, NRF ventured into sensor technology, establishing a dedicated sensor laboratory in Granada, Spain. The laboratory, equipped with an ISO-certified clean room, focuses on testing, validating, and developing sensor products.
Looking ahead to 2023, NRF plans to open a new technical and training center with a fully equipped workshop for cars and trucks, a multimedia training room, and dedicated product testing areas. This initiative underlines NRF's commitment to advancing its technical capabilities and product quality.
